Top Zimdancehall songs of 2020

Van Choga, Gemma Griffiths, Poptain and Anita Jaxson add to a new generation of musicians who are thriving in Zimdancehall scene, while Winky D, Seh Calaz, Freeman, Nutty O, Enzo Ishall, Killer T, Jah Signal and Tocky Vibes are regarded as the leaders of the genre.

Below is Music In Africa's list of the top Zimdancehall songs of 2020, in no particular order. This playlist will grow throughout the year, so make sure you bookmark it for your continuous listening pleasure.

ijipita by Winky D

The song is off the Njema album and chronicles the economic hardships in Zimbabwe. ‘Ijipita’ is among Winky D’s songs that highlight young people's frustrations with the government’s failure to tackle unemployment and poverty.

Urikutsvireyiko by Enzo Ishall

Known for his rich ghetto lyrics, Enzo’s voice and comical lyrics is what sets him apart from other Zimdancehall artists. The song was produced by Oskid and its video was directed SimDoc.

Titungamire by Gemma Griffiths

‘Titungamire’ is a dancehall song fused with gospel lyrics. The song is a prayer to God to intervene during hard times and is inspired by Psalm 71:14.

Fire by Anita Jaxson ft. Poptain

Anita Jaxson is a new voice on the Zimdancehall scene and is part of the next generation of artists who are redefining the country’s music scene. ‘Fire’ was produced by Leekay and its video was directed by Kmane.

Mwenje by Enzo Ishall

‘Mwenje’, just like Gemma Griffiths’ ‘Titungamire’, is a 'chillspot riddim'. In the song, Enzo Ishall advices his listeners to remain vigilant and be torchbearers in difficult times. The song was produced by Levels and its video was directed by Mr Elders.

Kurepair by Seh Calaz

'Kurepair' is off Seh Calaz’s Bholato Bholato album and is among the top songs in the country this year.

Pindikiti by Van Choga

This year, Van Choga flooded social media with his humorous and entertaining videos, which gained him a huge following. ‘Pindikiti’ was released in June and is doing exceptionally well. Music critics have argued that his fallout with Seh Calaz’s Yalanation label could end his career and urged the artist to quickly capitalise on his fame.

Uchingochema by Van Choga

‘Uchingochema’ is another Van Choga song, which he released while signed to Yalanation.

Corona by Tocky Vibes

Tocky Vibes has a rich voice that complements his lyrics. The song laments the devastating effects caused by the coronavirus on Zimbabwean communities.

Chanderlier by Winky D

This song is getting Zimdancehall lovers dancing without restraint. ‘Chanderlier’ is off the Njema album. It was recorded, mixed and mastered by Oskid.

Hamurikwire by Jah Signal ft. Soul Jah Love

This song is collaborative effort by two Zimdancehall powerhouses. However, it could generate more views and listens if it had a dedicated video.  

Mhamha by Seh Calaz

‘Mhamha’ is off the Bhola Bholato album and is an emotional song from a child to a deceased mother.

Munhu WeNyama by Poptain

The song was released after Poptain's performance at the One House battle show. ‘Munhu WeNyama' was produced by Leekay and is about not judging others. The song has rich reggae flavours delivered with a Zimbabwean twist.

Siya Something by Enzo Ishall

Enzo Ishall's change of management had a slight negative impact on his career this year. But this song is proof the artist is destined for big things, when his house gets back to order.

Jehovah Musatisiye by Nutty O

Nutty O is a rising star. He is among the best dancehall artists Zimbabwe has ever seen. In 'Jehovah Musatisiye', he petitions God to provide him with strength in his poverty stricken country. The youthful singer calls himself a conqueror and cites examples where he emerged a winner despite trying times.

Rinoera by Jah Signal and Uncle Epatan

This a powerful collaborative effort by the talented Jah Signal and Uncle Epatan. The song praises God and shuns people who use His name for corrupt activities.

Miridzo by Freeman

'Miridzo' is a song by Zimdancehall crooner Freeman. The song shuns the typical dancehall sound, save for its lyrics. Fresh from his ‘Ngaibake’ video featuring sungura legend Alick Macheso, Freeman’s ‘Miridzo’ is doing well on YouTube.

Hazvigone by Killer T

Like Freeman on ‘Miridzo’, Killer T does not employ the Zimdancehall sound on ‘Hazvigone’. His voice in the song is a constant reminder that he hasn’t run away from his Zimdancehall fans. The video for the song was released in February and is approaching the million mark.